|
METHODOLOGY
OF LEARNING
The
program of our school utilizes the Montessori curriculum as a central
methodology of learning for the pre-operational child. We feel the
Montessori curriculum offers the child the freedom of choice to learn and
explore the wonderful world that awaits each and every child. This the period
Maria Montessori termed as the "sensitive period of the absorbent mind" which
means that a child must perform some particular work because their mind needs
that special piece of information to grow. We also feel that every child should
be viewed as a "whole child" that learns at different rates and in different
ways.
A dditionally,
we incorporate major aspects of Piagetian educational philosophy such as
maturation, experience, and social interaction to obtain equilibration. In
short, we employ as many approaches as possible to stimulate a child's love of
learning and exploration. It is the mark of a good school that knows each and
every child to address those needs that their developing mind requires.
W e
employ a daily recording system to monitor and determine what each child is
learning and at what rate. At our bi-annual parent-teacher conferences, we share
the data gathered with each parent. In this way, the school and the parents are
active partners in the child's educational endeavors. All of the professional
staff at Danville Montessori are certified by the State of California, some hold
bachelor's and master's degrees, State of California teaching credentials and
American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
pre-primary teaching certificates.
I n
addition to the Montessori classroom time, the children are able to participate
in structured music instruction given by a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory
of Music. Dramatic play is offered and monthly field trips are scheduled to
local areas of interest, such as Lawrence Hall of Science, The Oakland Zoo, and
the Little Farm at Tilden Park. Danville Montessori School is a full affiliate
member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), National Association for
Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Professional Association for Childhood
Education (PACE).
|